§ Mr. David Reedasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the availability of paraffin heating oil, especially to pensioners; and whether he has evidence of recent price increases for this fuel by retail suppliers.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanThere is at present a shortage in some areas of premium grade paraffin which is the grade 247W normally used for domestic space heaters and which has largely to be imported from the Continent. In order to ensure adequate supplies for domestic use the oil industry is urgently examining methods of distributing increased quantities of a different quality of paraffin which is more plentiful. I understand that the Price Commission has received some complaints from the public of higher prices being charged by retailers before the recent price increases announced by the oil companies. These complaints are being investigated.